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The past is behind me, says Juanfran

Juanfran has fond memories of his time at Real Madrid, but is determined to deny his former club glory in the UEFA Champions League final.

The 29-year-old right-back came through Real's youth system and made six La Liga appearances before leaving the Bernabeu in 2006.

However, he is now set to be part of the Atletico Madrid team that will seek to defeat their city rivals in Lisbon on Saturday.

A regular fixture for Atleti since making his debut for the club in a Copa del Rey tie against Real in January 2011, Juanfran has flourished under Diego Simeone.

Ahead of the Champions League final, he told UEFA.com: "I'm very grateful to (Real) Madrid for the years I spent there, how they treated me and trained me, but now I'm an Atletico Madrid player and I am aware I've been wearing the best colours.

"Of course, matches against Real Madrid are different, they are more special, but all I want and all I think about, above all, is victory for Atletico - the past is behind me."

Atletico have already sprung one major surprise by securing the Liga title for the first time since 1996.

However, winning Europe's premier club competition for the first time would represent an even more remarkable achievement.

"It would be incredible, for me and my family," added Juanfran.

"They are proud of what I have done and what I am doing, but, of course, being a European champion and being the best team in Europe is as good as it gets."